The Dyffryn Ogwen Climate Festival 2024 was held on Monday, the 6th of May at Canolfan Tregarth.
“It was a fab opportunity for the kids to get involved in the various nature activities such as the fascinating Moss Mapping walk in the morning, and in the afternoon there was the Big Bug Hunt, the bird walk and talk tour around Pandy Farm and Moelyci” said Maria Jones, a member of the Community Climate Action group that formed during GwyrddNi’s Community Assemblies on the Climate.
“The tour around Pandy Farm in the afternoon was brilliant and a highlight for me personally. Many achievable climate-friendly food growing methods were in place and the rewilding of their wetland project helped us all to reconnect with, and value, our natural surroundings in the beautiful area of Dyffryn Ogwen, where we are all so fortunate to live.”
Many activities went on throughout the day – from planting seeds, picking up litter, and crafts, to looking at moss through a microscope and creating wooden nesting boxes for birds. As well as leading a bike tour along the Lôn Las, Beics Ogwen were on site helping to fix bikes, put air in people’s tyres or give general advice on cycling in the area.
We also had lectures from Margot Saher about the science behind climate change, and from Alison Cameron about the links between extinction and climate change, as well as a big climate quiz at the end of the day.
The Festival was also the launching point for “Paned i’r Blaned”, an idea inspired by Climate Cafes and “People, Planet, Pint” – an opportunity for people to come together, have a cup of tea/coffee and discuss all things planet and climate in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. We are hoping to roll these out across the five GwyrddNi areas – more to come on this soon!
As part of the Dyffryn Ogwen Community Assembly on the Climate, one of the ideas the community agreed upon was to create an annual climate festival – a day to bring people and organisations involved in local climate action together with the community and share information about the climate crisis, as well as to promote Dyffryn Ogwen’s existing climate solutions. Last year, the first Climate Festival took place in Bethesda.
“It was heartwarming to see so many local people turn up to help out with the day,” said Maria. “It was also a fantastic opportunity for me as a Welsh learner to engage with local people about genuine issues that are of real concern in our local community. It was such an amazing experience to speak the language in a hugely important but informal setting, and with so much support from local Welsh speakers. I felt my use of the language, albeit limited, came ALIVE.”
If you fancy being part of organising the 2025 Gŵyl Hinsawdd (Climate Festival), contact Chris: chris@ogwen.org
GwyrddNi is a community-based, community-led climate action movement that brings people together in five areas of Gwynedd to discuss, share and act locally to tackle climate change.
If you want to be part of co-creating greener, more sustainable and resilient communities – get in touch – or click the button below to let us know how you’d like to be involved. We will get back to you and connect to you to most appropriate person/people!